Lying 40km north east of Tauranga this dive mecca and marine reserve is warmed by the East Auckland Current, which draws in many subtropical fish species like Lord Howe coral fish, crimson cleanerfish and boarfish.

Karewa Island

This island is 23km offshore and offers good diving in sheltered bays with reefs from 5-18m deep. In common with other Bay of Plenty islands the crayfish (lobster), paua (abalone) and scallops can readily be found. The WWII tug Taioma sits upright on the sand at 28m on the south east side of the island.

Astrolabe Reef

This reef structure just breaks the surface at low tide, roughly halfway between Motiti and Mayor Islands. It is renowned for pristine water (great photography), spectacular drop-offs to 37m and shallow plateaus alive with fish and the occasional seal. This is a stellar scenic experience with visibility from 6-30m.

For a unique diving experience take to the waters near New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, White Island. Estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old, White Island is a hissing, steaming and roaring ecological wonder.

The surface of the island is similar to a scene out of a ‘Star Wars’ movie with craters, lava, sheer cliff faces and cracks and tunnels in the surface.